What is the difference between quicklime and hydrated lime and when is each used in Oman?

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Quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO) and hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂) are both produced from limestone (calcium carbonate) but at different stages of processing. Quicklime is produced by calcining (burning) limestone at 900–1,200°C, driving off CO₂ to leave CaO. It is a highly reactive material that generates intense heat when mixed with water (the slaking reaction: CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + heat), requiring careful handling with full PPE. Hydrated lime is produced by controlled slaking of quicklime with a stoichiometric amount of water, producing a dry white powder of Ca(OH)₂ that is safer and easier to handle but less concentrated than quicklime. In Oman water treatment: hydrated lime (milk of lime slurry) is used for pH adjustment in acidic desalinated water, softening of hard water (lime softening), and stabilisation of wastewater sludge. Quicklime is used in larger industrial applications (flue gas treatment, steel pickling, sugar refining) where the slaking heat is beneficial or where bulk efficiency outweighs handling complexity. Global Chemicals LLC supplies both quicklime and hydrated lime for Oman industrial and water treatment applications.

جير حي (أكسيد الكالسيوم)

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